An Overview of Thermal Treatment Emissions with a Particular Focus on CO2 Parameter

Abstract

Waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies can offer sustainable solutions for waste that cannot be further reused or recycled, such as the part of municipal solid waste (MSW) that is not suitable for recycling processes. The two main (most widely used) thermal treatment technologies that can be applied to MSW are direct combustion in an incineration plant and gasification. This paper examines in particular the direct combustion in incineration plants, explaining the main process, the main technologies applied, and the resulting environmental aspects. Moreover, this work focuses on analyzing flue gas emissions from thermal treatment in order to better understand the impacts of these kinds of processes. A particular focus on the CO2 parameter is performed. CO2 is a persistent atmospheric gas, and it is one of the greenhouse gases (GHGs) potentially responsible for the climate change phenomenon. In this sense, specific indexes (tCO2/tMSW and tCO2/MWh) are elaborated considering the thermal treatment plants present in six Italian regions. The main aim of this review paper is to try to fill the gap that still exists regarding the emissions environmental compatibility coming from these type of plants, the evaluation of the amount of CO2 emitted, and the possible reduction of the CO2 parameter. One of the main outcome obtained is in fact the evaluation of the amount of CO2 coming from these kinds of plants and some indications about the technological possibilities of reducing this amount.

Separation processes for the treatment of industrial flue gases – Effective methods for global industrial air pollution control

“…12 . It is regarded as efficient when dealing with MSW and degradation of the combustibles in flue gases [ 93 ]. High-temperature thermal treatment of flue gases is a chemical process that breaks down organic materials to make new chemicals with a unique chemical composition that have little or no effect on human well-being and the environment [ 94 ].…”

State-of-the-Art and Recent Advances in the Abatement of Gaseous Pollutants from Waste-to-Energy

“…Raff et al [12] sharpen the necessity to meet regulatory standards: governments and environmental agencies establish air quality standards and regulations to protect public health and the environment. Air pollution control technologies are essential for industries to comply with these standards and regulations, avoiding legal consequences and penalties [13].…”